We continued on with our study abroad trip, and we were on our way to Shanghai. We checked out of our hotel rooms and we went to the train station again. The night we arrives, we went on a night cruise at Huangpu River. I have been on a few short cruises, but this cruise has been the most beautiful by far. We were very close to the center of town. Many of the buildings along the river glowed with beautiful colors or words. Some buildings said, “I love Shanghai,” while others glowed with changing colors. There was always something beautiful to look at in every direction. This was also one of the more peaceful and relaxing moments of the trip, so I enjoyed it very much.

The next day, we went to the East China University of Science and Technology. We first went on a campus tour. The campus was much different from the Pittsburgh University campus I know. It was full of grass and all the buildings were clumped together in the campus, unlike the University of Pittsburgh. We then experienced a business presentation. I felt that it was very difficult for me to follow along or understand everything, because I have only been focusing on engineering. He spoke a little about Free Trade Zones and the best way to start a business. He also talked about how over the years, China has eased up on the requirements to start a business. This makes it much easier for someone to make their own business and grow. I wish I understood more, but I found myself a bit lost.

We then went to have another presentation, that focused on Chinese culture and the University. We played a fun game together as a class, then listened to a student who is currently attending the East China University of Science and Technology. He was very friendly and funny and gave us a lot of knowledge about his experience in moving to China to study. We were then able to speak to Chinese students attending the university. We spoke about different aspects of Chinese culture and tried to find connections between the culture in the United States and the culture in China. It was a great way to wind down and create new friends. This university visit was great, and I will always remember the people we met that day.

We later went to the Shanghai Urban Planning Museum. This museum focused on how the city has grown technologically. First, we looked at the trains that have been created and how they have revolutionized transit in China. I also found it interesting that license plates in China are very expensive and depends on a lottery system. Due to the very large population in China, they were forced to make some restrictions with driving in order to have drivable roads without terrible traffic. Therefore, biking and traveling on trains or subways have become much more popular. They are also much cheaper alternatives to buying a license plate. We were also able to see how the city grew upwards and how housing have changed over the years. It was a fun little trip to end the day.

The more I hear about business, the more I want to be active in it. It is very interesting to me despite it being difficult for me to understand. After this trip is over, I plan to go home and look at more news relating to businesses. This trip is changing my view about business and about connections between countries. I am a lot more interested now! It has been a great trip thus far!